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The Cricket World Cup is not just a battle between batsmen, but also a test of bowling prowess. Throughout history, numerous bowlers have risen to the occasion, bamboozling batsmen with their pace, swing, or spin to become World Cup legends. Let’s delve into the list of the top 10 highest wicket takers in World Cup history (as of May 18, 2024).
1. Glenn McGrath (Australia) – 70 Wickets
The Australian fast-bowling legend, Glenn McGrath, sits atop this prestigious list. His accuracy, pace, and swing bowling made him a nightmare for batsmen on the biggest stage.
McGrath participated in three World Cup victories (1999, 2003, 2007) and picked up 71 wickets in just 39 matches at an exceptional average of 18.19. His spell of 5/21 against West Indies in the 1999 World Cup final is a testament to his big-match temperament.
2. Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka) – 68 Wickets
The Sri Lankan spin magician, Muttiah Muralitharan, was a menace to batsmen with his doosra and his variety of deliveries. He bamboozled batsmen across formats, and the World Cup was no different.
Muralitharan picked up 68 wickets in 35 matches at a commendable average of 19.63. His ability to control the middle overs and pick up crucial wickets was instrumental in Sri Lanka’s journey to the 2011 World Cup final.
3. Mitchell Starc (Australia) – 62 Wickets
The left-arm fast bowler, Mitchell Starc, is a modern-day exponent of pace and swing bowling. He has been a vital cog in Australia’s recent World Cup success, picking up 62 wickets in just 20 matches at a fiery average of 19.29.
Starc’s ability to generate swing and bowl yorkers at the death makes him a potent weapon in limited-overs cricket. With more World Cups to come, he has the potential to climb even higher on this list.
4. Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka) – 60 Wickets
The Sri Lankan slinger, Lasith Malinga, was a death-bowling specialist with his unique slinging action and yorker-bowling abilities.
He troubled batsmen throughout his career and was particularly effective in World Cups, picking up 56 wickets in 29 matches at an average of 22.87. Malinga’s toe-crushing yorkers and slower ball variations made him a nightmare for batsmen at the death.
5. Mohammed Shami (India) – 59 Wickets
The Indian fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, has been a consistent wicket-taker in World Cups. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl at an express pace has troubled batsmen across the globe.
Shami has picked up 59 wickets in just 18 matches at a fantastic average of 19.83. His fiery spell of 4/47 against Pakistan in the 2019 Champions Trophy final is a prime example of his big-match temperament.
6. Wasim Akram (Pakistan) – 55 Wickets
The Pakistani left-arm legend, Wasim Akram, was a complete bowling package – swing, pace, and exceptional control.
He terrorized batsmen throughout the 1990s and was equally effective in World Cups, picking up 55 wickets in 38 matches at an average of 23.83. Akram’s ability to swing the new ball both ways and bowl unplayable yorkers made him a true legend of the game.
Born in a Punjabi Arain own family in Lahore, Wasim Akram’s magical second got here whilst he participated in the trials performed at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Interestingly, he became a mere spectator for the first days and sooner or later, we’re given a hazard to roll his hands over on the 1/3 day. His highest individual total is 5/28.
7. Trent Boult (New Zealand) – 52 Wickets
The New Zealand left-arm pacer, Trent Boult, forms a potent bowling partnership with Trent Boult. His swing bowling and ability to take wickets with the new ball have been crucial for New Zealand’s success in recent World Cups.
Boult has picked up 53 wickets in just 29 matches at a phenomenal average of 25.54. His swing bowling display against Australia in the 2015 World Cup final is a memorable performance. His highest individual total is 5/27.
8. Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka) – 49 Wickets
Another Sri Lankan legend on this list, Chaminda Vaas, was known for his swing bowling and ability to bowl long, economical spells. He was a reliable partner to Muttiah Muralitharan and played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s World Cup campaigns.
Vaas picked up 49 wickets in 31 matches at a decent average of 21.22. His spell of 4/13 against Bangladesh in the 2007 World Cup is a testament to his wicket-taking abilities. His highest individual total is 6/25.
9. Zaheer Khan (India) – 44 Wickets
Zaheer Khan turned into, sincerely, one of the greatest belongings of Indian cricket. The United States of America starved of speedy-bowling expertise, could not have stumbled upon an extra present on the flip of the century whilst Javagal Srinath, India’s spearhead at the time, became his thirties and inside the twilight of his profession.
The Indian left-arm fast bowler, Zaheer Khan, was a swing specialist with a knack for picking up crucial wickets.
Zaheer ended up as one of the greatest new-ball bowlers of all time (specifically to left-handers), a professional on the artwork of opposite-swing (even with the vintage white ball), an amazing bowler inside the Test area, and sooner or later, a World Cup hero. He took 44 ODI wickets and his best bowling figure was 4/42.
10. Javagal Srinath (India) – 44 Wickets
Rounding out this list is another Indian legend, Javagal Srinath. The right-arm fast bowler was known for his pace, accuracy, and ability to bowl long spells. Debuting on the Gabba during the 1991-ninety-two excursions down below, Srinath inspired every person along with his capability to generate intense tempo coupled with a steep sore from any surface.
Srinath was a key member of the Indian bowling attack in the 1990s and early 2000s and played a vital role in World Cups, picking up 44 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 24.18. His spell of 4/30 against Pakistan in the 1999 World Cup is a memorable performance.
This list showcases the bowling brilliance of some of the greatest fast bowlers and spinners to have graced the World Cup stage.
These bowlers have not only taken a plethora of wickets but have also tilted the course of matches with their spells. As the World Cup continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see which new bowling talents emerge and etch their names on this prestigious list in the years to come.
